Ideas to Help You Save Money on Your Utility Bill

February 10, 2018

Birmingham residents burn through a huge amount of electricity. Although our utility rates are lower than average, customers here consume 30 percent more electricity when compared to many other parts of the country. If you’re tired of high utility bills, try these ideas to help you save money.

Household Energy Consumption in Birmingham, AL

Heating and air conditioning account for nearly 50 percent of household energy consumption in Alabama. The best ways to lower these year-round costs are to use energy-saving thermostat settings and to maintain your HVAC equipment.

Appliances, electronics and lighting represent 35 percent of the average home’s energy use. An additional 18 percent of energy consumption goes toward water heating. To reduce your utility bills, adjust the temperature on your hot water heater and refrigerator. Consider setting up a home automation system that will turn off the lights and adjust the thermostat when you leave.

Ways to Reduce Your Household Energy Bills and Save Money

Weatherizing your home is an effective way to lower your heating and cooling bills all year. Use caulk, weather-stripping and expanding foam to improve your home’s insulation envelope.

Insulate or seal your HVAC ducts. According to Energy Star, up to one-third of climate-controlled air escapes through cracks in the ductwork. Duct sealing eliminates these losses and improves your air quality too.

Beef up the insulation in your crawlspace or attic. Even in mild climates, this substantially reduces heat losses and gains, so your home will be more comfortable. Our duct insulating services also protect your air ducts from extreme temperatures.

Use window coverings to minimize your energy use. In the summer, close your blinds, or hang light-colored curtains that will reflect the sunlight. In the winter, open your window coverings to take advantage of the free energy.

Conduct an energy audit to analyze your home’s efficiency and to determine which improvements will be effective.